Crackling in record mode (even when not actually recording), cannot record > 10 secs

[chandra]

Hi,

This is an URGENT request to anyone out there. I am using Pro Tools LE 7.4 with my MBox. The following error occurs even when session has only ONE track.

I put that track in record mode. Before I start recording, I listen to the playback, which is fine for a few seconds, then there is a brief gap (0.5 sec) of no sound, and then I can hear playback distorted with crackling.

If I actually try recording the track, it will record normally for a few seconds, then invariably start crackling and will be forced to stop the recording (I feel it has something to do with that gap in sound I mentioned). I am attaching my sandra report below, but bear in mind that this is a refurbished DELL latitude E6510, received only two weeks ago. I believe the hard drive runs at a low 5400 rpm, but bear in mind that the crackling occurs even when I am not actually recording (that too only with ONE track).

I have exhausted the options changing buffer sizes - Pro Tools gives me both 9093 and 6086 errors (telling me to decrease or increase buffer size), depending on what I set my buffer size, but the crackling and recording-stopping problems remain. I have also tried all the options listed here: http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=...978a213b6d86ac

I should note that the problem is probably not with the Mbox itself, as the device continues to work with my OLDER Dell D830 latitude. I need to know if it is a matter of the laptop never being compatible with pro tools, in which case I will need to immediately switch to another Audio Workstation. It would be sad to see Pro Tools go...

Thanks, response appreciated ASAP

Sandra report:


SiSoftware Sandra

System
Host Name : CHANDRA_PC
User : Chandra
Workgroup : WORKGROUP

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU M 540 @ 2.53GHz
Speed : 2.53GHz
Cores per Processor : 2 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 2 Unit(s)
Type : Dual-Core
Internal Data Cache : 32kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L2 On-board Cache : 256kB, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte line size, 2 threads sharing
L3 On-board Cache : 3MB, Synchronous, ATC, 12-way, 64 byte line size, 16 threads sharing

System
Mainboard : Dell Inc. 0N5KHN
Bus(es) : ISA PCI PCIe CardBus USB FireWire/1394
Multi-Processor (MP) Support : 1 Processor(s)
Multi-Processor Advanced PIC (APIC) : No
System BIOS : AT/AT COMPATIBLE DELL - 6222004
Total Memory : 3.24GB

Chipset 1
Model : Dell ??? (0044)
Front Side Bus Speed : 1x 533MHz (533MHz)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Generic PnP Monitor
Adapter : NVIDIA NVS 3100M
Imaging Device : Integrated Webcam

Physical Storage Devices
TOSHIBA MK3265GSX 320GB (SATA300, NCQ, 8MB Cache) : 298.09GB (C:) (F:)
TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-U633F (SATA9600, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-W, 3x DVD-R, 3x DVD-W, 22MB Cache, 1GB Flash) : N/A (D:)

Logical Storage Devices
RECOVERY : 11.12GB (6.55GB, 59% Free Space) (NTFS)
ProTools (F:) : 39.06GB (38.94GB, 100% Free Space) (NTFS) @ TOSHIBA MK3265GSX 320GB (SATA300, NCQ, 8MB Cache)
OS (C:) : 247.76GB (94.45GB, 38% Free Space) (NTFS) @ TOSHIBA MK3265GSX 320GB (SATA300, NCQ, 8MB Cache)
CD-ROM/DVD (D:) : N/A @ TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-U633F (SATA150, 24x CD-R, 24x CD-W, 3x DVD-R, 3x DVD-W, 2MB Cache)

Peripherals
Serial/Parallel Port(s) : 0 COM / 1 LPT
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(R) 5 Series/3400 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 3B34
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(R) 5 Series/3400 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 3B3C
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : Generic USB Hub
USB Controller/Hub : Generic USB Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
USB Controller/Hub : Generic USB Hub
USB Controller/Hub : Generic USB Hub
FireWire/1394 Controller/Hub : Ricoh 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller
PCMCIA/CardBus Controller : Generic CardBus Controller
Bluetooth Device : Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator
Bluetooth Device : Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module with AMP
Smart Card Device : Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF)
Keyboard : Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Keyboard : HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard : HID Keyboard Device
Mouse : Dell Touchpad
Mouse : HID-compliant mouse
Mouse : HID-compliant mouse
Human Interface : Bluetooth Remote Control
Human Interface : HID-compliant device
Human Interface : HID-compliant device
Human Interface : HID-compliant device
Human Interface : HID-compliant device
Human Interface : HID-compliant consumer control device
Human Interface : HID-compliant consumer control device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device
Human Interface : USB Input Device

Printers and Faxes
Model : Send To OneNote 2007
Model : Microsoft XPS Document Writer
Model : HP LaserJet 1022
Model : Fax

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line
Battery No 1 : 100%

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows Vista Business Media Center 6.01.7600
Platform Compliance : Win32 x86

Windows Experience Index
Current System : 4.9

Network Services
Adapter : Intel(R) 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection
Adapter : Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

[TOM@METRO]

Do you have a physically separate qualified drive for your sessions? I don't see one here. A partition on the system drive is a poor choice.

Are you sure that your OS is being reported correctly? Are you using the latest version of Sandra? There are portions of the report missing.

[chandra]

I agree, should have ideally had a separate physically partitioned drive. Also, I am using Pro Tools LE 7.4 and not 8.0.4.

However, the fact that I encountered no such errors on my older machine (which had about 2 GB of free space with no physically separate space for Pro Tools), makes me feel that the partition is not the root of the problem. Also, I encounter the problem even when in record mode (i.e. before I actually start to write to the track). Wouldn't that mean that the hard drive partition has nothing to do with the problem? Thanks for replying, in any case.

Chandra

[spkguitar]

Originally Posted by chandra

Wouldn't that mean that the hard drive partition has nothing to do with the problem?

Not necessarily.

Lookup "Open Ended Record Allocation" in the reference guide.

[chandra]

Tried the same using another partition - same issues. Is there anything anyone can see about my PC's hardware that gives a hint about what's wrong?

[pezguy]

Do you have another physical hard drive (as opposed to a partition) to use as a record drive? That is the recommended configuration.

[chandra]

@pezguy. Sorry I was unclear on my last post. I did try using an external hard drive to the same effect.
@spkgtr. Yes, I edited the resource allocation to use all my hard drive space possible, with the same problems occurring.

It seems more and more likely that it is a PC hardware issue, but I'm not 100% sure (and from the looks of it, it seems difficult for an outsider to diagnose that). That said, any help would be amazing right now...considering a full reformat of the PC, but that seems like a silly option if there is an easier fix.

I should add that even PLAYING my tracks (no record enabled) gives me the same problems - I am able to play between 2 and 30 seconds, before pro tools cuts me off...

[spkguitar]

Originally Posted by chandra

@spkgtr. Yes, I edited the resource allocation to use all my hard drive space possible, with the same problems occurring.

You're actually supposed to limit it, and my point was, it uses the drive even when you aren't recording.

Originally Posted by chandra

Adapter : NVIDIA NVS 3100M

This may be a problem, but there may not be anything you can do about it.

Originally Posted by chandra

Imaging Device : Integrated Webcam

Disable that when using Pro Tools.

Originally Posted by chandra

Physical Storage Devices
TOSHIBA MK3265GSX 320GB (SATA300, NCQ, 8MB Cache) : 298.09GB (C:) (F:)

Looking up the specs of this drive on the web, it is too slow to use as a Pro Tools session drive. It needs to be 7200rpm or higher, and it's only 5400rpm.

Originally Posted by chandra

I did try using an external hard drive to the same effect.

Was it a firewire drive? Did it have an oxford chipset? Was it 7200rpm or faster?

Originally Posted by chandra

Bluetooth Device : Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator
Bluetooth Device : Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module with AMP

The bluetooth HAS to be disabled when using Pro Tools.

Originally Posted by chandra

Adapter : Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

This absolutely, positively MUST be disabled when using Pro Tools.


Dells are always a crapshoot when it comes to Pro Tools compatibility.

[spkguitar]

Also, try a different USB port.

[mano111]

My initial thought was you need an external Firewire drive. (and you DO NEED it).

Also try disabling Bluetooth, and other wireless network in the BIOS (and card reader, webcam and even internal sound card).

disconnect any other hardware that may be connected to the machine

have you tried using a different USB port and cable to your M-box?

BTW media center version is not supported. Maybe an OS reinstall is required.

And why buy refurbished in the first place? Its like asking for trouble. just my $0.02

EDIT: beat by SPKguitar again